Women can experience hair loss just like men. As many as 33 percent of women suffer from hair loss at some point in their lives, the American Hair Loss Council explains. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as hereditary male- or female-pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia occurs when hair follicles shrink, producing a thinner hair shaft. The hair's growth phase shortens, and the time between hair shedding and a new growth cycle lengthens. Medications, weight loss, surgery, stress and pregnancy can also increase hair loss. Some vitamins and minerals may help lessen certain types of hair loss. Always talk to your physician before starting any supplement.
Biotin
Biotin, a B-complex vitamin sometimes called vitamin H, can improve alopecia in adults and children when combined with zinc and topical clobetasol propionate, a corticosteroid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, few studies done with biotin have been well designed. The Linus Pauling Institute states that biotin is only helpful if hair loss is caused by biotin deficiency, and states that there are no studies that show benefits of using biotin for hair loss from other causes.
Iron
Iron deficiency can cause hair loss in some women, Harvard Health Publications reports. Iron supplements may help restore hair if your iron levels have fallen below 70 ng/mL. Iron supplements do not help with female-pattern hair loss. Do not take iron supplements without discussing it with your medical practitioner, as excess iron in your blood can cause serious side effects.
Multivitamins
A daily multivitamin containing vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins and the minerals magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium may help alleviate hair loss caused by stress or nutritional deficiencies, according to UMMC. However, too much vitamin A can actually contribute to hair loss, the American Hair Loss Council warns. Vitamin supplementation will rarely prevent hair loss if it occurs after the quick loss of a large amount of weight, as with a severely restricted diet.
Fish Oil
Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil capsules, may help certain types of hair loss by decreasing inflammation, the UMMC states.
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